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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Film

Sussane Wolff in "Styx".(Courtesy of Amour Fou)

‘Styx’ Is a Modern Tragedy

Wolfgang Fischer’s drama is a deliberately paced, yet beautiful masterpiece.
Fareid El Gafy, Staff Writer February 25, 2019

Every year, thousands of refugees risk everything to find safety abroad. Many from war-torn countries near the Mediterranean often brave the open sea in a desperate and often fatal...

Poster for the Indian film "Lagaan" nominated in 2002 and the last Indian film to be nominated for the Foreign Language Oscar. (via Facebook )

Foreign Language Oscars

The Arts Desk gives out recs for great Oscar-nominated foreign language films to check out in advance of this Sunday’s ceremony.
February 22, 2019

The Oscars are this Sunday and something really special about this year’s ceremony is the fantastic representation of foreign language films. Set in Mexico, Alfonso Cuarón’s...

Poster for "Tidying Up With Marie Kondo" one of Netflix's recent hit shows. (via Facebook)

Netflix’s Algorithm Toes the Line Between Artistry and Technology

A look into the science behind the endless entertainment we consume from the popular streaming service.
Skye Carroll, Contributing Writer February 22, 2019

Sometimes it feels like I’ve watched every good series available, and then Netflix comes out with a new original. So, how does the streaming platform churn out addictive shows...

New Netflix documentaries focus on Democrats Beto O'Rourke and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Netflix Could Be Influencing the Next Election

Everyone complains when celebrities get political, but what happens when the line between entertainment and politics blurs beyond repair?
Dante Sacco, Deputy Arts Editor February 19, 2019

Dating back to before his presidency, President Donald Trump has consistently crowned himself a master of ratings, possessing an undeniable talent for stoking interest in the American...

Arthur (Vincent Lacoste) dances with Jacques (Pierre Deladonchamps) after coming to Paris to comfort him during his treatment. (Courtesy of Plaire Aimer et Courir)

‘Sorry Angel’ Unveils the Highs and Lows of Queer Love

The French drama offers an unforgivably beautiful portrait of a gay love affair at the height of the AIDS epidemic.
Claire Fishman, Film and TV Editor February 19, 2019

A young man from the Brittany region of France, Arthur (Vincent Lacoste), and a 40-something-year-old writer, Jacques (Pierre Deladonchamps), meet by chance in a cinema, sneaking...

Advertisements for Glow (via facebook.com)

Best Female-Led Comedy Series

Instead of letting you rewatch “Frasier” or “The Office,” the Arts Desk is here to give some TV show recs for shows with female leads that are just as funny and worthy of binge watching.
Guru Ramanathan, Alex Cullina, Claire Fishman, Arts Desk February 15, 2019

The landscape of TV has changed a lot in the past decade and one central aspect is how much more of a favorable environment it has become for women — though of course, there...

Juli Jakab as the character Irisz Leiter in Sunset. (Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics.)

‘Sunset’: More Than Just Hats, But Not Much More

“Sunset,” chaotic like an empire falling into war, lacks an affecting story to bring meaning to the mayhem.
Elizabeth Crawford, Staff Writer February 14, 2019

While most war films have either entered the conflict directly — most recently Christopher Nolan’s “Dunkirk” — or take place in the mere days or weeks leading up to bloodshed,...

Movie poster for the The Gospel of Eureka. (Courtesy of  Kino Lorber)

‘The Gospel of Eureka’ Delivers an Underwhelming Sermon

The documentary tackles a tense conflict between the Christian and LGBTQ communities in a small town, but doesn’t totally hit the mark on its execution.
Carlo Servito, Contributing Writer February 12, 2019

“The Gospel of Eureka” is a documentary that intends to shed light on the conflict between the Christian LGBTQ community and the more conservative Christian inhabitants of...

Movie Poster for "Then Came You" (Courtesy of 	SHOUT! STUDIOS)

‘Then Came You’ Is a Lackluster Story of Friendship

The dramedy is reminiscent of John Green adaptations like “The Fault in Our Stars,” but is far less emotionally satisfying.
Johnnie Yu, Contributing Writer February 12, 2019

"Then Came You," New York-based filmmaker Peter Hutchings’ third feature film, tells a not-quite-tear-jerking tale of terminal illness crossed with a story of friendship; it’s...

via Netflix

‘Russian Doll’ Is an Endlessly Entertaining Binge Watch

The Netflix dramedy series co-created by Amy Poehler has skyrocketed to critical acclaim for its fun and intense storytelling, reminiscent of “Groundhog Day.”
Anna Lee, Staff Writer February 11, 2019

“Russian Doll,” Netflix’s newest series, which premiered on Feb. 1, has already sparked great critical and public attention from viewers worldwide only a week after its release....

Cover art for "Fyre" on Netflix (Courtesy of Netflix).

Fyre Festival Scam Continues

The music festival scandal that led to a social media riot culminated in two competing documentaries, but even they were unable to escape ethical issues in their production.
Dante Sacco, Staff Writer February 11, 2019

Fyre Festival, the brainchild of practiced millennial manipulator Billy McFarland, was a 2017 ultra-luxe music festival in the Bahamas imagined to appeal to the basest desires...

Promotional poster for How To Train Your Dragon. (via facebook.com)

Best Movies to Watch While Sick

The Arts Desk gives its film recommendations for the next time you’re feeling a little under the weather.
Guru Ramanathan, Alex Cullina, Claire Fishman, Arts Desk February 8, 2019

When you’re feeling sick, there are a couple things you can do to take care of yourself: rest up, take some vitamins or watch a good movie. Films can conjure up feelings of wonder,...